Genius Hour, 20% time, DIY, Project-Based Learning, Passion Projects - these are all names for a similar concept. The concept is popular in the business world, as companies like Google encourage employees to spend a portion of their time “on-the-clock” to developing projects of their own choosing. In education, this idea has been extended to encouraging students’ self-directed learning and engagement by allowing them to explore their passions and work toward a self-selected goal.
The goals of Genius Hour connect to the development of 21st Competencies, growth-mindset, self-efficacy and grit and can also play a role in extending learning and increasing motivation in all students. Genius Hour promotes the development of positive classroom culture, goal-setting, and reflection as students assume responsibility for their learning. Genius Hour also supports the development of Common Core ELA standards connected to research and presentation skills. Genius Hour is NOT part of the Gifted and Talented Program, nor is it targeted to select classes. It takes place in the regular classroom, and all students are involved. Students are encouraged to develop questions based on their own strengths and interests, conduct research, and create a product or presentation to share their learning. This happens in many classrooms in many forms, and the commonly-used term "Genius Hour" has been adopted by some teachers to represent this innovative form of student-led inquiry. For more information, go to www.geniushour.com or search Google for "Genius Hour."
The goals of Genius Hour connect to the development of 21st Competencies, growth-mindset, self-efficacy and grit and can also play a role in extending learning and increasing motivation in all students. Genius Hour promotes the development of positive classroom culture, goal-setting, and reflection as students assume responsibility for their learning. Genius Hour also supports the development of Common Core ELA standards connected to research and presentation skills. Genius Hour is NOT part of the Gifted and Talented Program, nor is it targeted to select classes. It takes place in the regular classroom, and all students are involved. Students are encouraged to develop questions based on their own strengths and interests, conduct research, and create a product or presentation to share their learning. This happens in many classrooms in many forms, and the commonly-used term "Genius Hour" has been adopted by some teachers to represent this innovative form of student-led inquiry. For more information, go to www.geniushour.com or search Google for "Genius Hour."